Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person has a lifelong pattern of feeling extremely shy, inadequate, and sensitive to rejection.

People with avoidant personality disorder often consider themselves to be socially awkward, or personally unappealing, that they routinely avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, rejected, or disliked. Is some cases people with Avoidant personality disorder become so preoccupied with their own shortcomings that they form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are often so painful that people with Avoidant personality disorder will choose to be lonely rather than risk trying to connect with others.

It is estimated that about 1% of the population has Avoidant personality disorder, and it is equally divided between males and females. The cause is unknown, but and may be influenced by a combination of social, genetic, and psychological factors. Fortunately, symptoms can improve with treatment; and without treatment, a person with Avoidant personality disorder may live a life of near or total isolation, and they may go on to develop a second psychiatric disorder such as substance abuse or a mood disorder such as depression.

Cluster C and Avoidant Personality Disorders

Cluster C personality disorders include people who often appear anxious or fearful, and consists of Avoidant personality disorder, Dependent personality disorder, and Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Cluster C personality disorders are found more frequently in depression, and Avoidant personality disorder is one of the most prominent personality disorders found in people with depression.

Avoidant personality disorder is part of the Cluster C group of 3 different personality disorders that deal with overly dramatic or impulsive behaviors.

If you believe you have an Avoidant personality disorder, then see a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Therapist.